Senior Director, eDiscovery
Ankura, Chicago, IL, United States
Practice Overview
Bright Labs, proudly a part of Ankura, is at the forefront of the eDiscovery industry, having contributed to some of the most significant and globally recognized eDiscovery investigations and litigations. Our eDiscovery team is renowned for its deep expertise and innovative approach, leveraging data, technology, and analytical thought to address complex client issues. We pride ourselves on a unique combination of technical skills, subject‑matter expertise, and litigation technology experience, enabling us to deliver comprehensive, creative, and insightful solutions that guide our clients through the intricacies of eDiscovery challenges.
Role Overview We are seeking an eDiscovery Senior Director to join our dynamic team. This role will serve as the client's point of contact and Bright Labs’ day‑to‑day leader in the management and execution of projects and workstreams involving the identification, collection, processing, review, and production of electronic data relevant to litigation or regulatory investigations. The role is located in New York City, Washington D.C., Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Dallas on a hybrid schedule.
Responsibilities Functional Discovery Tasks
Collections/Pre‑Processing
Assist clients with finding, documenting, and preventing deletion of data potentially relevant to litigation, regulatory matters, or critical business operations
Develop solutions and strategies to collect data with special considerations for the unique environment and project‑specific complexities of an engagement
Coordinate forensic collections with client and Bright Labs’ forensics team and quality review collections documentation supplied by the forensics team
Create and recommend pre‑processing strategy to client
Coordinate forensic pre‑processing work (deNIST, file filters, etc.) with Bright Labs’ forensics team, including documenting pre‑processing workflow
Processing
Advise client on data reduction strategies including deNISTing, file extension filtering, date culling, and search term filtering
Coordinate (provide instruction, obtain status reports, etc.) processing work with Bright Labs’ processing team
Analyze exception reports, develop recommendations for handling each type of exception, and communicate plan to client
Quality review search hit reports prior to sending to client
Review
Assist clients with the selection of the appropriate technology to meet specific project objectives
Assist with development of efficient work streams, batching strategy, and technology configuration for 1st, 2nd, 3rd tier review; as well as witness review, exhibit designation, and trial preparation
Conduct customized Relativity training sessions for clients, emphasizing appropriate add‑on features as necessary
Advise clients regarding the efficient use of concept clustering, near duplicate identification, e‑mail threading, and assisted review (predictive coding) within the Relativity tool
Design customized reports for clients
Troubleshoot Relativity issues and coordinate custom Relativity development work, as necessary
Coordinate data loads to the review tool with the Bright Labs’ processing team
Demonstrate proficiency with eDiscovery analytics platforms and AI‑assisted review tools, including hands‑on experience designing, executing, and overseeing end‑to‑end analytics workflows spanning technology‑assisted review, predictive coding model training and validation, quality control protocols, and defensible methodology documentation in support of complex litigation and regulatory matters
Production
Assist with written collateral to support production process, such as motions, orders, or proposals to courts and opposing counsel regarding the form of production
Provide proactive guidance regarding format, strategy, and timelines for production of electronic data
Work with clients to develop production identification strategy
Managerial Tasks
Assist in the management of finances of each engagement including developing, documenting, and tracking project budgets, adjusting budgets as appropriate, communicating changes in budgets internally and to the client, and managing the revenue forecasting and invoicing process
Review and discuss expectations, anticipated scope of work, and project timeline with client and Bright Labs’ team
Manage project close‑out process including data return and database archival, ensuring that clients understand the implications of on‑going data retention relative to their company’s policies
Provide clients and Managing Directors and Senior Managing Directors with periodic status updates, reports, etc. throughout the engagement
Generate consistent and thorough documentation to support processes executed throughout the project lifecycle. Specific tasks may include writing up interview notes and drafting emails, memorandum or reports that demonstrate specific processes followed
Mentor, lead, and delegate tasks to junior grade colleagues to support their training and professional development with the goal of creating an exciting leveraged, team environment that offers challenging opportunities and support to all employees and is poised for continued expansion and success
Assist in the recruiting process by screening resumes and interviewing candidates
Supervise personnel including Associates, Senior Associates, client personnel, clerical support, and others as appropriate
Assist the business development team throughout the sales process by building relationships with current and potential future clients, demonstrating firm technology to potential clients, and providing supporting documentation, including proposals and cost estimates, regarding our offerings
Demonstrate business development acumen via networking and other business development activities, showcasing the ability to convert networking relationships to sales leads and ultimately, new revenue
Increase revenue on current engagements by identifying opportunities to cross‑sell services offered by Data Analytics and Digital Solutions & Development teams
What We Offer
The opportunity to work on some of the largest and most recognized global eDiscovery cases
A collaborative environment where creativity and insight are valued
Exposure to cutting‑edge technology and methodologies in the field of digital forensics and eDiscovery
A supportive team that fosters professional growth and development
Requirements
BA/BS in MIS, Business Analytics, Computer Science, Law, Engineering, Finance, Accounting, Economics, Information Technology, or similar degree
8+ years of prior experience as a consultant overseeing computer forensics and electronic discovery
Advanced decision making and problem‑solving skills
Team player who is comfortable working in a dynamic and fast‑paced environment with minimal supervision
Ability to interact confidently with senior management and lawyers/partners
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Flexibility to travel as required
Ability to work extended hours as needed (evenings and weekends)
Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship now or in the future
Ankura is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against based on disability. Equal Employment Opportunity Posters, if you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening, submit an online application, or participate in an interview/assessment, please email accommodations@ankura.com or call toll‑free +1.312‑583‑2122. This email and phone number are created exclusively to assist disabled job seekers whose disability prevents them from being able to apply online. Only messages left for this purpose will be returned. Messages left for other purposes, such as following up on an application or technical issues unrelated to a disability, will not receive a response.
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Role Overview We are seeking an eDiscovery Senior Director to join our dynamic team. This role will serve as the client's point of contact and Bright Labs’ day‑to‑day leader in the management and execution of projects and workstreams involving the identification, collection, processing, review, and production of electronic data relevant to litigation or regulatory investigations. The role is located in New York City, Washington D.C., Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Dallas on a hybrid schedule.
Responsibilities Functional Discovery Tasks
Collections/Pre‑Processing
Assist clients with finding, documenting, and preventing deletion of data potentially relevant to litigation, regulatory matters, or critical business operations
Develop solutions and strategies to collect data with special considerations for the unique environment and project‑specific complexities of an engagement
Coordinate forensic collections with client and Bright Labs’ forensics team and quality review collections documentation supplied by the forensics team
Create and recommend pre‑processing strategy to client
Coordinate forensic pre‑processing work (deNIST, file filters, etc.) with Bright Labs’ forensics team, including documenting pre‑processing workflow
Processing
Advise client on data reduction strategies including deNISTing, file extension filtering, date culling, and search term filtering
Coordinate (provide instruction, obtain status reports, etc.) processing work with Bright Labs’ processing team
Analyze exception reports, develop recommendations for handling each type of exception, and communicate plan to client
Quality review search hit reports prior to sending to client
Review
Assist clients with the selection of the appropriate technology to meet specific project objectives
Assist with development of efficient work streams, batching strategy, and technology configuration for 1st, 2nd, 3rd tier review; as well as witness review, exhibit designation, and trial preparation
Conduct customized Relativity training sessions for clients, emphasizing appropriate add‑on features as necessary
Advise clients regarding the efficient use of concept clustering, near duplicate identification, e‑mail threading, and assisted review (predictive coding) within the Relativity tool
Design customized reports for clients
Troubleshoot Relativity issues and coordinate custom Relativity development work, as necessary
Coordinate data loads to the review tool with the Bright Labs’ processing team
Demonstrate proficiency with eDiscovery analytics platforms and AI‑assisted review tools, including hands‑on experience designing, executing, and overseeing end‑to‑end analytics workflows spanning technology‑assisted review, predictive coding model training and validation, quality control protocols, and defensible methodology documentation in support of complex litigation and regulatory matters
Production
Assist with written collateral to support production process, such as motions, orders, or proposals to courts and opposing counsel regarding the form of production
Provide proactive guidance regarding format, strategy, and timelines for production of electronic data
Work with clients to develop production identification strategy
Managerial Tasks
Assist in the management of finances of each engagement including developing, documenting, and tracking project budgets, adjusting budgets as appropriate, communicating changes in budgets internally and to the client, and managing the revenue forecasting and invoicing process
Review and discuss expectations, anticipated scope of work, and project timeline with client and Bright Labs’ team
Manage project close‑out process including data return and database archival, ensuring that clients understand the implications of on‑going data retention relative to their company’s policies
Provide clients and Managing Directors and Senior Managing Directors with periodic status updates, reports, etc. throughout the engagement
Generate consistent and thorough documentation to support processes executed throughout the project lifecycle. Specific tasks may include writing up interview notes and drafting emails, memorandum or reports that demonstrate specific processes followed
Mentor, lead, and delegate tasks to junior grade colleagues to support their training and professional development with the goal of creating an exciting leveraged, team environment that offers challenging opportunities and support to all employees and is poised for continued expansion and success
Assist in the recruiting process by screening resumes and interviewing candidates
Supervise personnel including Associates, Senior Associates, client personnel, clerical support, and others as appropriate
Assist the business development team throughout the sales process by building relationships with current and potential future clients, demonstrating firm technology to potential clients, and providing supporting documentation, including proposals and cost estimates, regarding our offerings
Demonstrate business development acumen via networking and other business development activities, showcasing the ability to convert networking relationships to sales leads and ultimately, new revenue
Increase revenue on current engagements by identifying opportunities to cross‑sell services offered by Data Analytics and Digital Solutions & Development teams
What We Offer
The opportunity to work on some of the largest and most recognized global eDiscovery cases
A collaborative environment where creativity and insight are valued
Exposure to cutting‑edge technology and methodologies in the field of digital forensics and eDiscovery
A supportive team that fosters professional growth and development
Requirements
BA/BS in MIS, Business Analytics, Computer Science, Law, Engineering, Finance, Accounting, Economics, Information Technology, or similar degree
8+ years of prior experience as a consultant overseeing computer forensics and electronic discovery
Advanced decision making and problem‑solving skills
Team player who is comfortable working in a dynamic and fast‑paced environment with minimal supervision
Ability to interact confidently with senior management and lawyers/partners
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Flexibility to travel as required
Ability to work extended hours as needed (evenings and weekends)
Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship now or in the future
Ankura is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against based on disability. Equal Employment Opportunity Posters, if you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening, submit an online application, or participate in an interview/assessment, please email accommodations@ankura.com or call toll‑free +1.312‑583‑2122. This email and phone number are created exclusively to assist disabled job seekers whose disability prevents them from being able to apply online. Only messages left for this purpose will be returned. Messages left for other purposes, such as following up on an application or technical issues unrelated to a disability, will not receive a response.
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